They were some of Manchester’s best loved sons and daughters – the people who made the city what it is today. Now the story of famous Mancunians is being retold – in a guided tour of their final resting place. Visitors can take part in the first-ever tours of Southern Cemetery, where many of the city’s great and good are buried.

They were some of Manchester’s best loved sons and daughters – the people who made the city what it is today. Now the story of famous Mancunians is being retold – in a guided tour of their final resting place.

Visitors can take part in the first-ever tours of Southern Cemetery, where many of the city’s great and good are buried.

Among them are football legends Sir Matt Busby and Billy Meredith, and ‘Mr Manchester’ Tony Wilson. Other famous names include Sir John Alcock, who made the first non-stop transatlantic flight, and Manchester’s first multi-millionaire industrialist, John Rylands.

We joined the first tour around the country’s biggest municipal cemetery, led by expert guide Emma Fox.

She said: "You really can tell the whole story of Manchester in this beautiful cemetery by visiting particular graves. You can learn about people who were famous for industry, music, football, bravery and philanthropy – everything that encapsulates Manchester as a city."

Tour visitors were greeted with the recital of lyrics from The Smiths’ song Cemetery Gates, said to have been inspired by Southern Cemetery.

They then made their way through piles of autumn leaves on the tour of renowned memorials. The visitors were also shown the entrances to underground family vaults, and the spot where 4,000 people who died at Withington workhouse are buried.

The cemetery, which opened in 1879, is being likened to Manchester’s version of the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, which is famed for its graves of famous people including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Edith Piaf.

History buffs taking part in the tour said it had been an eye-opener. James Campbell, 47, from Burnage, said: "It’s been interesting. I’ve been to Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, but this is on our own doorstep. It’s beautiful." Helen Chambers, 67, from East Didsbury said: "I had no idea that this cemetery was so special."

THE next tour is on February 10. Tours start at 10.30am and last two hours. They cost £7 (£6 concessions). To book a place call Emma on 07500 774200 or email emma@showmemanchester.com.

10 FAMOUS PEOPLE BURIED IN SOUTHERN CEMETERY:

John Henry Davies (1864-1927) - Wealthy brewery owner who took over Manchester United in 1902 when it was known as Newton Heath. He funded the move to Old Trafford and gave the club its first red and white kit.

Sir John Alcock (1892-1919) - Aviator who, along with Arthur Whitten Brown, became the first pilot to cross the Atlantic non-stop on June 15, 1919. Died in Normandy six months later when he crashed while flying to an air show in Paris.

Daniel Adamson (1820-1890) - Engineer who became a successful manufacturer of boilers. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Manchester Ship Canal during the 1880s. He died in 1890 and did not live to see the project completed.

Anthony H Wilson (1950-2007) - Broadcaster and journalist who founded the Hacienda nightclub and was one of the co-founders of Factory Records. He became known as Mr Manchester for his work to promote the culture of Manchester.

John Rylands (1801-1888) - Entrepreneur and philanthropist who owned a large textile enterprise. Manchester's first millionaire. His widow erected the John Rylands Library on Deansgate in his memory and it is still in use today.

LS Lowry (1887-1976) - Painter famed for his scenes of life in industrial districts in Manchester and Salford. He was best known for his industrial landscapes peopled with figures referred to as ‘matchstick men'.

John Prettyjohns VC (1823-1887) - The first Royal Marine to win a Victoria Cross. He won the award at the battle of Inkerman during the Crimean War in 1854, when an attack was made on enemy sharpshooters who were hiding in caves.

Billy Meredith (1874-1958) - Welsh-born footballer who played for both United and City. He made 335 appearances for the Reds and 390 for the Blues. He was famous for playing with a toothpick or matchstick in his mouth.

Jerome Caminada (1844-1914) - Famous Victorian detective who has been described as Manchester's Sherlock Holmes. He was reportedly responsible for jailing 1,225 criminals and closing down 400 pubs. He often wore disguises and carried a pistol.

Sir Matt Busby (1909-1994) - Legendary United manager who started his career as a player with City. He was the father of United's youth policy and his young team was nicknamed the Busby Babes. He survived the devastating Munich air crash of 1958 and famously went on to guide the Reds to the the European Cup in 1968.

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